Flexible rule.



A. E. HEGARDT.

FLEXIBLE RULE.

APPLIOATION TILED MAR. 5. 191a.

Patented Dec. 2, 1913.

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. UMTED STATEE PATENT @FFlQF AXE-L E. HEGARDT, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

FLEXIBLE RULE.

Specification of Letters ?atent.

Patented Dec. 2,1913.

Application filed March 5, 1913. Serial No. 752,031.

' curves, and which will hold itself in the position to which it is bent, so that lines may be formed and measured by the device.

A further object is to provide a flexible rule with a series of integral blocks, and improved means engaging the several blocks and holding them against independent movement.

With these and other objects in view, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction and combinations and arrangements of parts as will be more fully hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 is a view in side elevation illustratingv a fragment of my improved rule showing the same in a straight line. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the device curved. Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale of the free end of one of the blocks. Fig. 4: is a view in longitudinal section of the construction shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a View in transverse section on the line 55 of Fig. 3, and Fig. 6 is a fragmentary plan view of the strip 10.

My improved rule, may of course be made of various flexible material, celluloid is well adapted for the use, and is cut out as inclicated to provide a long relatively thin strip 1 which is provided at regular intervals with integral blocks 2. These blocks 2 all project from the same side of the strip, while the other side or edge of the strip constitutes a ruling or marking edge, and is provided with a scale 3 which may be in inches or other linear measure. The blocks 2 may, of course, be of various shape. They are shown of general keystone shape, and each block at its free edge is recessed in its opposite faces as shown at 4 to accommodate the side plates 5, 5, of a metal strap 6. In other words, each block 2 is provided with a metal strap 6 which is formed from a blank bentiat right indicated clearly in Figs. 3 and 4:.

angles at two points as shown at 7 so as to give to the strap a general rectangular shape in cross section as indicated in Fig. 6.

The side plates 5, 5, of each strap may be secured to the block in various ways. I have indicated inwardly projecting spurs 8 for the purpose. These spurs are stamped from the metal strap and driven into the block. The metal straps 6 are provided at their ends with inwardly projecting bow springs 9 which press against a strip 10. This strip 10 is preferably of metal and extends through all of the straps 6, and its inner face is roughened as indicated at 11 and bears against a relatively sharp projection 12 formed at the outer ends of the blockshas T is contact ofthe projections 12 with the rough surface 11 prevents accidental movement of strip 10, so that when the device is given any particular curve, it will hold itself in that position and not move accidentally.

It will be noted, particularly by reference to Fig. 5, that the strip 10 is of approximately the same width as the space between the side members 5, 5, of strap 6, so that a snug fit is had. I would have it understood that the rough surface 11 is not suflicient to hold the parts against movement, but is suificient to prevent accidental movement requiring some force to bend or shape the device. The scale 3, along the edge of the device, allows the irregular line to be readily measured and this is important because of the difliculty of measuring curves and other irregular lines.

Various slight changes might be made in the general form and arrangement of parts described without departing from my invention, and hence I do not limit myself to the precise details set forth, but consider myself at liberty to make such changes and alterations as fairly fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention,

'what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A device of the character described, comprising a strip of flexible material having a plurality of blocks integral therewith and projecting from one edge thereof, metal straps secured to the blocks, and a strip projecting through all of said straps and engaging the blocks, substantially as described.

2. A. device of the character described, comprising a strip of flexible material having a plurality of blocks integral therewith and projecting from one edge thereof, metal straps secured to the blocks, a strip projecting through all of said straps and engaging the blocks, said blocks each having an angular projection at their free ends, and said last-mentioned strip having a roughened surface engaging the angular projection of said blocks, substantially as described.

3. A device of the character described, comprising a strip or" flexible material having a plurality ofblocks integral therewith extending from one edge thereof, metal straps secured at their ends to the opposite sides of said blocks, a strip movable through said straps and engaging the blocks, springs in the straps engaging the movable strip and said first-mentioned strip having a scale thereon, substantially as described.

4;. A device of the character described, comprising a strip of flexible material having a plurality of blocks integral therewith and projecting from one edge thereof, metal straps secured to the blocks, a strip projecting through all of said straps and engaging the blocks, said blocks each having an angular projection at their free ends, and said last-mentioned strlp havmg a roughened 7 having a roughened surface engaging the angular free ends of the blocks,and springs integral with said straps andpressing said movable strip against the angular ends of the blocks, substantially as described. 7

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

Witnesses: V

CHARLES L. PFLEIDERER, CHAs. E. Porrs.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. G.

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